Old Washer and Dryer
For day 7 of the Cornerstone Content Blog Challenge, the topic is content that challenges a perception. Perception: Someone’s ability to notice things that are not obvious to others. This is a bit outside the box but when some people see an old product they just discard it and buy new. I notice that perhaps that said product could be repair or cleaned up and get more use out of it. This is what happened with our old washer and dryer.
Back in 2015, 5 years ago our washer and dryer were about 16 years old so we decided to check out a new pair even though they were still working. After looking at all the cool shiny finishes, the stainless steel tub and all the bells and whistles on the dryer to keep clothes from wrinkling, the price came to about $1400.00. Considering the age and use from our set that we purchased when we bought our new home for about $400.00 I figured we got our money’s worth. But being the penny pincher I am I needed to make sure this new pair was the right one.
We came home to double check the measurements and I got to looking at our old still working pair. The top of the dryer had a few scratches so I spray painted that. The washer had gunk under the lid, so we removed to top, sprayed it with vinegar and it all came off! Then I ran a cycle of vinegar through the old enamel tub that had no chips at all. After all that was done, we had a “new” old washer and dryer that still worked great. So instead of paying $1400.00 for a new set, we will keep our old set until it dies. This is what our set looks like today, not bad for 21 years old.
As I mentioned in the beginning, this was 5 years ago when I cleaned up our old washer and dryer. Guess what? Our 21 year old Kenmore washer and dryer set is still going great and has enough wash cycles that works for us!
I even still have the manuals and after 21 years are in as good shape as the washer and dryer!
Some people would have probably purchased a new set when the old one didn’t look shiny and didn’t have the updated stainless steel tub or bells and whistles but I’m old school and don’t like to spend money if not needed. I’m sure one day they will die but until then I’m happy to use our old washer and dryer.
I am going to report you for stealing MY washer and dryer!
LOL they don’t make them like they use to Roy!
So I guess the perception would be that if something is old, you should throw it out because the newer, shiny model is better, and you are saying why not keep it until it drops dead, right? I’m with you on that! I say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And if it can be fixed, don’t throw it out. Then, you can spend that $1400 somewhere else. 🙂
That’s it in a nutshell Jeanine! I hate to spend money if not needed. Now if it was for Lia that’s another story. LOL
Looks like you made the right choice. If it’s working, why replace it? (and spend a fortune!) Enjoy doing your laundry (it won’t be long before Lia decides to take that task over!).
That’s my thoughts Alice, we’ll keep it until it dies. Lia already helps with the laundry. We bring the basket downstairs, she pushes it to the machine and can throw the clothes in standing on her tippy toes. She even helps fold them! Not much she doesn’t do to help with chores.
We have actually been looking at a new washer and dryer, and was about ready to buy when I pulled the plug. I’m holding out for a better deal! Even as we were looking, my husband was pointing out some sets that had digital controls and this and that … what about a front loader? I just said – I would like what I have now – just 11 years newer. He couldn’t understand why I didn’t want the bells and whistles! LOL
Sometimes with all the bells and whistles things break quicker. I’m like you Angie, I’ll keep it until it stops running but I would never get a front loader.
I’m always polishing up the old, seeing how long I can stretch things. It is the optimist in me (and one who doesn’t like to waste!) You will get your new equipment when it is time!
WOW Julie, you and I think so much alike! Why get something new just to get it!
Martha, I love your thinking, your strategy, and the choice to keep the old set! As Jeanine said, now you can put that $1400 somewhere else, like in a tuition fund for Lia? I’m a child of 2 Depression Kids, and I often keep too much rather than release anything that could be used with cleaning and repair. But I’m learning to donate more, so we don’t get totally full in our small house. 🙂
My parents taught me well Kebba, never waste money. As look as the old still works great, I’ll keep using it.
Well your hubby has been around with you for 55years and you have not chucked him out for a new one, so if it ain’t broke keep it, ( so thank full)
I’d never get a new one Rich.
Your washer and dryer remind me of our old washer and dryer.
As the saying goes don’t fix it if it isn’t broke Amanda! This is a great working set.